Salem, Ore. – In the final weeks of the Oregon legislative session, a diverse contingent of faith leaders sent an urgent and somber message to Senate leadership calling for passage of SB 2004 to limit no-cause evictions and protect the renters in their congregations.

“In an extraordinary show of support, faith leaders from around the state have come together to call on the Senate to pass HB 2004 right away. The children, families and individuals cannot wait another two years for action,” said Alison McIntosh, Neighborhood Partnerships.

This legislative session, you have a great opportunity to help families remain in their homes and avoid a path to homelessness by passing HB 2004B. We respectfully urge your support of HB 2004B to limit no- cause evictions and to provide stability to the four in ten Oregonians who rent their homes.

We believe that everyone deserves a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home. Today, current policy permits landlords to evict tenants without providing a cause, sometimes with as little as 30 days’ notice. Across Oregon, families, children, and individuals are experiencing the negative effects of no- cause evictions, which threatens the stability of our communities.

Many of our congregations, churches, parishes, and synagogues operate a food pantry or an emergency rent fund. We know firsthand that as rents continue to rise, families are asked to choose between paying their rent or purchasing essential survival materials, such as food and medicine. Tragically, many of our congregants have to make these choices for themselves and their children often: hunger or eviction; health or warm clothing.

The current housing crisis is disproportionally targeting the stability and safety of the most vulnerable in our society. We ask you to recognize the danger to human dignity that no-cause evictions are perpetuating, particularly on communities of color, seniors, people with disabilities, and parents of young children.

As a state, we know we can do more to provide stability for families by limiting the use of no cause evictions. HB 2004B is one way that Oregon can help people who rent their homes remain stable.

We believe we must grab the opportunity presented by this bill. The health and safety of low-income families – as well as the strength of our social fabric – depend on it.

Thank you for your continued efforts to address the needs of every one of our communities, and we urge you to pass HB 2004B.